We opened our first Hygiene Hub in October 2024 with the aim of providing low-cost oral health products and trusted advice to families and their children through a membership model. This initiative was developed in response to the ongoing difficulties many families—particularly those in the most deprived areas of the city—face in accessing NHS dental services.

Since opening our first hub, we have signed up over 250 households, including more than 400 children. During this time, we have supplied over 700 appropriate toothbrushes and clinically approved toothpaste containing the recommended levels of fluoride. These resources play a vital role in protecting oral health and, especially for children, may help reduce the likelihood of premature tooth extractions under general anaesthetic.

None of this would have been possible without the invaluable advice and essential volunteer training provided by the Outreach Team at Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE). We are deeply grateful for their ongoing support in ensuring our volunteers are equipped with the latest, evidence-based guidance on oral and general dental health.

We also want to thank Vineyard Church and Redeemer Church, along with their leadership teams, for their support in setting up our first Hygiene Hub alongside the Uniform Store at 93 New George Street, Plymouth.

Since then, we have expanded our provision, opening two more hubs at St Aubyn’s Church in Devonport and Christ Church in Estover. We plan to open at least three more hubs in some of the city’s most deprived areas during 2026. Hot off the press, our latest hub will be opening in February at Plymouth Foodbank on Manor Street.

In addition, we have been invited to attend Mum’s and Babies drop-in sessions across the city, organised by Barnardo’s Family Hubs. These sessions allow us to offer vital oral health advice to mums at a critical stage of their babies’ development.

This work has only been possible thanks to the generous practical and financial support of individuals and churches across the city centre. To continue supplying essential oral health items, further financial support would be very welcome. Donations can be made via the Donate page on this website—please mark your donation “Hygiene Hub”. Thank you for your support.

For further information, please use our contact form or click the button to contact the co-ordinator, John.